SHARES STRONGLY UP/DOWN this week 02/01/06 (Master RSI)

Gold futures climbs as much as $8 to start the year

SAN FRANCISCO (AFX) -- February gold climbed as much as $8 an ounce to trade at $527.50 -- its highest level in three weeks. The contract was last at $526.40, up $7.50. 'There's a lot of upside left in the entire metals complex, and as some of the financial uncertainties become more clear as we head into 2006, gold is going to take the lead and achieve exceptional returns for traders who continue to focus on the long-term trends in these markets,' said Dale Doelling, chief market technician at Trends In Commodities.